Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Figure 1
Percentage not attempting recertification, by initial certification year (unadjusted).
- Figure 2
Logit regression of factors associated with not attempting recertification.
DO = doctor of osteopathic medicine; MD = medical doctor.
Note: 95% CIs shown.
Tables
- Table 1
Demographic Characteristics of Diplomates Passing or Not Attempting Recertification
Characteristic Total % (No.) Not Attempting Recertification % (No.) Initial certification failsa 0 97.5 (50,379) 5.3 (2,674) 1 1.9 (958) 14.4 (138) 2 0.4 (212) 20.8 (44) ≥3 0.2 (129) 24 (31) Total 100 (51,678) 5.6 (2,887) Type of degree Doctor of osteopathic medicine 7.4 (3,799) 5.8 (222) Medical doctor 92.6 (47,879) 5.6 (2,665) Total 100 (51,678) 5.6 (2,887) Sexa Female 32.2 (16,632) 4.5 (744) Male 67.8 (35,046) 6.1 (2,143) Total 100 (51,678) 5.6 (2,887) International medical graduatea No 86.2 (44,560) 5.1 (2,280) Yes 13.8 (7,118) 8.5 (607) Total 100 (51,678) 5.6(2,887) Regiona Midwest 26.2 (13,519) 4.7 (638) Northeast 14.7 (7,593) 5.3 (400) South 34.6 (17,862) 6.4 (1,139) West 24.6 (12,704) 5.6 (710) Total 100 (51,678) 5.6 (2,887) Age at initial certificationa Less than 30 y 28.2 (14,576) 4 (576) 30 to 34 y 47.7 (24,639) 5.1 (1,267) 35 to 39 y 14.8 (7,625) 7.2 (547) 40 y and older 9.4 (4,838) 10.3 (497) Total 100 (51,678) 5.6 (2,887) ↵a P <.001
The Article in Brief
Predictors of Attrition From Family Medicine Board Certification
Winston Liaw , and colleagues
Background While certification of physicians by a medical board has been linked to improved clinical knowledge, higher quality, and less disciplinary action, some physicians leave the certification process. This study examines the percentage of physicians not attempting recertification after initial certification and describes their characteristics.
What This Study Found Of 51,678 family physicians who received board certification between 1980 and 2000, 5.6 percent did not attempt to recertify, with a slight increase in the most recent cohort. The percentage not attempting recertification increased with each additional failed initial certification attempt, rising to 24 percent for diplomates who failed three or more times. International medical graduates, men, and older diplomates were more likely to not attempt recertification.
Implications
- According to the authors, attrition from board certification may be a transitional step between burnout and leaving the primary care workforce. The authors recommend following these trends, uncovering underlying motivations, and identifying new interventions to minimize attrition.
